Authorities are still trying to determine a motive for the Panned Parenthood shooting, and have not released information about the alleged shooter or his background.
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The shooter has injured at least eleven people, including five police officers.
Buckley told media during the 7 p.m. ET press conference on site that 11 victims were transported to various local hospitals, but there was no confirmation yet of the severity of their injuries or if there were any fatalities. The suspect, a male, had brought “items” with him into the Planned Parenthood building.
The forth officer was wounded in the latest exchange of gunfire with the shooter, according to Police Lt. Catherine Buckley. Police previously warned people to shelter in place.
Abortion is one of the services provided for women by Planned Parenthood and the association has become an lightning rod for criticism by social conservatives.
“An officer came back in and said, ‘Is everyone safe?’ We asked him questions and he said they’ve barricaded him inside the Planned Parenthood and he was shooting out from the windows”. “The courage they displayed today saved many, many lives – no doubt”, Colorado Springs Fire Chief Christopher Riley said.
Almost five hours after the first report of gunfire, authorities said the shooter was still not in custody and that an unknown number people were evacuated – some wrapped in blankets in the blowing snow – to a nearby Veterans Administration clinic.
The Planned Parenthood clinic is next to a medical office building and near a shopping complex that includes the King Sooper and other stores and restaurants.
“It’s not usually a busy day for us, and no one is panicking or anything, ” Pelosi said. A “long gun” was reportedly used in the rampage.
Colorado Public Radio’s Megan Verlee tweeted that the president of Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood issued a statement saying, “Our concern is for the safety of our patients, staff and law enforcement”.
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Planned Parenthood said it did not know if it was the target of the attack. The city has since closed Centennial Blvd between Fillmore & Garden of Gods Rd.
